Tag Archives: poll

Snacking on unhealthy foods is a known cause of obesity. The Harvard School of Public Health reports the U.S. spent $190 billion on obesity-related healthcare expenses in 2005. Similar to alcohol or tobacco, should there be regulations on junk food? The trend seems to say “no.” North Carolina recently passed a law barring obesity lawsuits against snack food makers. Plus, an appellate court ended New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg efforts to limit the sale of sodas to 16 ounces, …

The government shutdown marches into its second week as Republican members of congress refuse to vote on the country’s budget and refuse to raise the federal debt ceiling — unless the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is defunded or severely changed. The healthcare law was passed by Congress and the Senate and in 2010 signed into law by the president. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality in 2012. Obamacare is the law and Lawyers.com explains it, debunking more of the …

As reported in Lawyers.com, George Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara, is requesting the state of Florida reimburse him up to $300,000 in legal costs. A jury found Zimmerman not guilty of second degree murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The costs cover expenses like expert witnesses, investigations, travel, courtroom visual aids and depositions, but not attorneys’ fees. O’Mara is making the request to the state’s Justice Administration Commission, which handles payments for indigent defendants. He argues when …

A Kentucky man, Ernest Chris Chumbley, faces murder charges, after shooting his wife who suffered from breast cancer. He claims she requested to be killed to end her constant pain. A jury must still decide this case. Chumbley did not obtain the help of a physician, but his case touches upon the arguments in death with dignity laws. Physician-assisted suicide generally means, upon a patient’s request, a doctor provides a terminally-ill patient with a lethal dose of medication, which the …

As of Aug. 1, Alabama’s new gun law went into effect. It allows people who have concealed carry weapons permits to keep pistols locked in their cars at work, even if the employer has a policy forbidding employees from bringing their guns to work. People with hunting licenses can keep unloaded rifles and shotguns locked in their vehicles at work during hunting season. The firearms must be stored out of sight. Supporters of the law say it helps secure Second …